India insists on enforcing UNSC sanctions on Al-Qaeda, Taliban

With a growing number of terror attacks in South Asia, India has insisted on enforcing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions on Taliban and Al-Qaeda to combat terrorism. Speaking at a council debate on UN Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA), India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Syed Akbaruddin said: “The effective implementation of the sanctions will go a long way in imposing restrictions on the listed entities/individuals’ movements, assets and arms embargo.”

India expressed concerns at the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan, which has been expanding its territory, and asked the UNSC to look into the security situation and contain it immediately. Pointing to the worsening security situation in Afghanistan, Mr Akbaruddin said that the situation showed the need for greater engagement by the international community to support the Afghanistan government.

Focusing on the upsetting security situation in Afghanistan, Mr Akbaruddin said: “It is alarming that there have been more than 11,000 documented civilian causalities in 2015. Another disturbing development is the expansion of the Taliban’s territorial reach. Also, the efforts to incite ethnic violence and conflict are indeed serious developments. We urge the Security Council to look into the security situation and the means to contain it with a sense of urgency.”

India’s Afghan policy

India is working with Afghanistan and Iran to develop the Chabahar port that will enhance India’s connectivity with Afghanistan. India has also said that Afghanistan can benefit economically if it is allowed the freedom of transit to major South Asian markets. India has pledged around $2 billion in aid to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan’s parliament building was constructed under India-Afghan Development Cooperation, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit in December 2015. “The Parliament complex is a symbol of the resolve of Afghanistan to shape its future through votes and debates and the belief that terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape Afghanistan’s future or dictate the choices the people of Afghanistan make,” Mr Akbaruddin said.

India has also extended support to Afghanistan in plurilateral and multilateral platforms. India will be hosting the “Heart of Asia” conference later in 2016. India has also been extending its full support to Afghanistan to strengthen its military capabilities. India donated three Mi-35 multi-role helicopters to Afghanistan. The helicopters have made a significant difference to the Afghan forces in combating terrorism.

India also supports Afghanistan’s reconciliation process, which will enable certain groups and individuals to give up violence and abide by the constitution. Speaking about India’s support to Afghanistan, Mr Akbaruddin said: “India will continue to stand steadfastly with Afghanistan during its Transformation Decade and would do our utmost to support the valiant efforts of the people and the Government of Afghanistan towards peace and stability.”